.jpg)
Dolphin Photo/wallpapers.net)
The Cove is a 2009 documentary film documenting the annual killing of more than 2,500 dolphins in a cove at Taiji, Wakayama in Japan.
The film was directed by former National Geographic photographer Louis Psihoyos, led by Richard O'Barry and was filmed secretly during 2007 using underwater microphones and high-definition cameras disguised as rocks.
.jpg)
The Cove won the U.S. Audience Award at the 25th annual Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, United States in January 2009. It was selected as one of 16 finalists from 879 submissions in the category. It also kicked off the first film festival in Naples, Florida - Naples International Film Festival (NIFF).
Dolphins are marine mammals that are closely related to whales and porpoises. There are almost forty species of dolphin in seventeen genera. They vary in size and are found worldwide, mostly in the shallower seas of the continental shelves, and are carnivores, mostly eating fish and squid. Dolphins are considered to be amongst the most intelligent of animals and their often friendly appearance and seemingly playful attitude have made them popular in human culture.
In the 1960’s, Richard O’Barry was the world’s leading authority on dolphin training, working on the set of the popular television program Flipper. Day in and day out, O’Barry kept the dolphins working and television audiences smiling. But one day, that all came to a tragic end. The Cove, directed by Louie Psihoyos, tells the amazing true story of how Psihoyos, O’Barry and an elite team of activists, filmmakers and free divers embarked on a covert mission to penetrate a hidden cove in Japan, shining light on a dark and deadly secret. The mysteries they uncovered were only the tip of the iceberg. ~ The Cove at film festival NIFF, The Cove kicks festival off Dolphin drive hunting, also called dolphin drive fishing, is a method of hunting dolphins and occasionally other small cetaceans by driving them together with boats and then usually into a bay or onto a beach. The dolphins' escape is prevented by closing off the route to the open sea or ocean with boats and nets. Dolphins are hunted this way in several places around the world. The largest number of dolphins are hunted using this method in Japan, however the practice also occurs in places as far apart as the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic, and Peru in South America. O'Barry interview, to Rosen, said, The Cove is a passionate call to change the way we think about our oceans and the creatures that live in them." Dolphins are mostly hunted for their meat, but some are captured and end up in dolphinariums. Despite the highly controversial nature of the hunt resulting in international criticism, and the possible health risk that the often polluted meat causes, many thousands of dolphins are caught in drive hunts each year. CAUTION! - NOTE: There are photos and video footage that is quite graphic in nature and not for the weak of heart. But it is reality. No such still photos are included here, although caution, as there is dolphin killings in the video footage including that of The Cove (to be expected) below. Excerpts and information derived from Rachel Rosen interviewing Richard O’Barry: Dolphin trainer, Richard O'Barry, for television’s beloved Flipper, and photographer turned filmmaker Louie Psihoyos led the audience on a voyage of discovery in the documentary, The Cove. O’Barry has long been convinced of the cruelty of domesticating these highly intelligent animals and feels responsibility for the growth of an economy of sea parks and swim-along programs. He led a team of skilled divers and operations expert equipped with high-tech cameras and equipment, to capture evidence of dolphin trade and slaughter, to Taiji, Japan. Taiji, Japan is a heavily guarded ocean inlet, and it supplies most of the world’s commercial dolphin needs. Disturbing rumors indicate the deep secret of what happens to those dolphins who do not make the "entertainment" cut. CAUTION! - REPEATED NOTE: There are photos and video footage that is quite graphic in nature and not for the weak of heart. But it is reality. No such stills are included here, although caution, as there is dolphin killings within the video footage below, including that of The Cove (to be expected). And this is not the worst of it, unfortunately more available at youtube ~ but it's a way to get this news out!.jpg)
.jpg)
Comments
A very important issue..but I know I can't stomach/watch violence against animals...
Thanks for leaving graphic images off of your story.
I was tempted to, as they were easy to get, but it just didn't feel right. The video footage is bad enough. I'm sure all of us can imagine the horrific site without a reminder. It must stop!
I will never again go to Sea World, Discovery Island or Land of the Living Seas in Epcot. This story shocks the conscience.
What happens when a hypocrite and a liar actually has something to say this time?
Ric O'Barry is a grandstanding fool and a hypocrite that has embellished his credentials and experience to garner press and make money off the activist movement for the last 30 years. If you want to know more about him follow this link to read about how he almost killed two dolphins he released illegally. publicaffairs.noaa.gov/releases99/june99/noaa99r134.html
That being said, what is happening in Taiji is disgusting and deserves condemnation. The slaughter is an outdated and outlandish practice that serves no one.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!